Now that the new year is here, it’s the perfect time to begin setting new goals for yourself to work towards your dreams and accomplish a few tasks you may have. Part of improving yourself and your lifestyle is improving your health, which includes caring for your teeth and gums. When you’re wearing braces and are in the process of beautifying your smile, you still need to take certain steps to reduce the risk of tooth decay while improving the alignment of your teeth. There are a few practical tips we’ve provided to ensure you know where to start when it comes to improving your oral health and avoiding issues in the new year.
Follow Your Orthodontist’s Advice
It’s important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist to avoid issues or delays that can occur as you attempt to straighten your teeth over the period of several months or years. Whether you wear Invisalign or use rubber bands, you should wear the gear when your orthodontist says it’ll be most effective. You can make more progress if you follow their instructions and can avoid wearing the braces for a longer period of time than necessary. Set reminders in your phone or on your calendar if you have difficulty remembering when to wear the equipment.
Get in the Habit of Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice each day is essential to protecting your teeth from decay and reducing the risk of gum disease. Flossing and brushing are necessary to remove bacteria and reduce the build-up of plaque, which can wear down the enamel. Brush and floss twice each day or after every meal and remove any food that is stuck in the crevices of your teeth
Use a Mouthguard
One of the best ways to protect your teeth from getting chipped or knocked out is by wearing a mouthguard. If you spend time in a gym class at school or participate in contact sports, a mouthguard should be worn at all times on the field or court to ensure your teeth have the necessary protection. Although standard mouthguards can feel uncomfortable and bulky in the mouth, we can create a custom mouthguard for you to wear to prevent it from becoming a distraction with a proper fit. We can even have it include your team colors to ensure it matches with your uniform and isn’t lost easily.
Cut Out Hard and Sticky Food
One of the easiest ways to cause damage to your braces and teeth is by eating chewy and sticky candy and teeth. The sticky texture can pull off the braces from the teeth, which can push back the time it takes to align your teeth. It’s important to avoid eating popcorn, caramel, and even nuts until the orthodontist takes the braces off. It may be hard to follow the rules at times, but keep in mind that you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods once the braces are off. The temporary sacrifices you have to make now will be worth the long-term benefits you receive once you have a beautiful smile.
Knowing the right resolutions to practice can allow you to feel accomplished as you experience the benefits of the goals you achieve. Our experienced team at Ferris Orthodontics is here to offer our services and assistance when you need additional tips. Feel free to contact our team at your convenience to schedule a free consultation at our location. We look forward to seeing you smile in the new year!
– The Ferris Orthodontics Team
